Abnormal jugular venous pressure Hepatojugular reflux 2016-05-17T07:58:17Z SNOMEDCT_US:72196001 The examiner applies firm but persistent pressure over the liver for 10 seconds while observing the mean jugular venous pressure. Normally there is either no rise or only a transient (i.e., 2 to 3 sec) rise in mean jugular venous pressure. A sustained increase in the mean venous pressure until abdominal compression is released is abnormal and indicates impaired right heart function. This abnormal response is called hepatojugular reflux. UMLS:C0239949